North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper commuted the death sentences of 15 men on his final day in office. All 15 will still serve life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The commutations reduce the state’s death row, which has 121 others on it, by more than 10%.
Cooper is leaving office after eight years due to term limits. Fellow Democrat Josh Stein, currently the state attorney general, will assume the office on Jan. 1.
Cooper’s office said they reviewed petitions for clemency from 89 people on death row before choosing the 15 cases.
“These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a Governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose,” Cooper said in a press release. “After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison.”
It’s a smaller set of commutations than President Joe Biden issued for federal death row inmates earlier this month. The president commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 men on death row to life without parole.
Biden’s move received major criticism from Republicans, with President-elect Donald Trump saying it “makes no sense.”
Although North Carolina allows the death penalty, the state has not executed anyone since 2006 amid ongoing lawsuits.
Cooper issued two other commutations for people convicted of crimes that don’t carry the death sentence and two pardons for people who have already served their sentences.
